Get onboard for a dining experience beneath the Union Pacific Railroad station. Enjoy an epicurean journey with a six-course tasting meal paired with wine or explore the many other dishes including pan roasted New Zealand rack of lamb. $$

Dinner Tues.-Sun.

City Park Grill

1791 St. Johns Ave., Highland Park, 847-432-9111

This recently remodeled restaurant features a casual, upscale atmosphere. Try the four story meatloaf made with layers of mashed potatoes and juicy beef or the bourbon pecan chicken with garlic mashed potatoes. $$

Lunch and dinner Mon.-Fri.; dinner Sat. and Sun.

The English Room

Deer Path Inn, 255 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, 847-234-2280

The English Room in the quaint Deer Path Inn places diners in an English Tudor setting. The menu features classic American dishes with a contemporary twist. A house specialty is Dover sole, which waiters deftly fillet tableside. Outdoor garden seating is available. $$$

Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat.; dinner Tues.- Sat.; brunch on Sun.

Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar

1820 Tower Drive, Glenview

847-729-9463

Let the evening fly by while enjoying wines from around the world. Pair the wines with cheeses or appetizers like the crab cake sliders. Cedar plank roasted Copper River salmon and Miller Amish pan roasted chicken are among the dinners offered on the menu. $$

Dinner Mon.-Sat.

Gilson's

1126 Central Ave., Wilmette

847-256-2430

Gilson's reputation for delicious food in a great atmosphere draws people from many communities. All dishes are organic and produce is locally grown. Try a macadamia crusted Chilean sea bass or handmade lobster ravioli for dinner and top it off with banana cream pie. Outdoor seating available. $$

Lunch and dinner daily

Grille No. 43

28800 N. Waukegan Road, Lake Bluff, 847-234-7643

This intimate spot serves an American contemporary menu with a French flair. Start with drunken shrimp wrapped in bacon. Enjoy a smoked bacon-wrapped pork chop or a wild mushroom and goat cheese flatbread pizza. $$

Lunch and dinner daily; brunch Sat. and Sun.

The Globe Cafe and Bar

1710 Orrington Ave., Evanston

847-866-8700

Everyone is invited to dine at this distinctive restaurant featuring a variety of dishes from around the globe. A popular breakfast option is the tantalizing eggs Benedict. Dinner choices include seared salmon fillet and broiled strip steak. $$

Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily

The Grill at the Glen Club

2901 W. Lake Ave., Glenview

847-832-6403

Diners are treated to a spectacular view of the Glen Club's 195 acres of rolling terrain framed by the distant Chicago skyline. Choose from hearty lunch options like the New York Strip Sandwich with bleu cheese and caramelized onions or stop in for a dinner of roasted lemon and rosemary chicken. $$

Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily

The Grille on Laurel

181 E. Laurel Ave., Lake Forest

847-234-9660.

Enjoy the club-like atmosphere with black leather lounge chairs and a two-sided fireplace. A dozen salad varieties, omelets and sandwiches provide the lunchtime diner with plenty of choices. Dinner options include Ahi Tuna, ribs and lamb chops. Live entertainment adds to the ambiance on Fridays and Saturdays. $$

Lunch and dinner daily; brunch Sun.

Inovasi

28 E. Center Ave., Lake Bluff

847-295-1000

Eating is an adventure at this contemporary style restaurant dedicated to serving fresh, locally sustainable foods. Small, medium and large plate options allow diners to try seasonal specialties that change based on availability. A four-course tasting menu is available. $$

Lunch Mon.-Fri.; dinner Mon.-Sat.

Jerry's

505 Chestnut St., Winnetka

847-441-0134

After the success of Corner Cooks, a place where food lovers can cook, eat and party, the expansion of Jerry's Restaurant seemed like the next best idea. The menu is an interesting collection of unique flavors including beet salad, chili shrimp mini tacos or curry chicken. $$

Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner daily

Lovell's of Lake Forest

915 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest, 847-234-8013

Dining becomes out of this world at this upscale restaurant owned by famed Apollo 13 Captain James Lovell housed in an elegant manor. Savor the Australian rack of lamb with goat cheese Dijon crust or explore Lovell's famous Countdown Shrimp Creole. Outdoor dining is available. $$$

Lunch Mon.-Fri.; dinner daily

The Lucky Platter

514 Main St., Evanston, 847-869-4064

This diner specializes in funkadelic post-hippy eclectic world cuisine. In the morning, come for homemade granola or fried green tomato poached eggs. At lunch, barbecued chicken pizza. Grab a bowl of Caribbean pumpkin soup or chow down on some Yankee pot roast for dinner. $

Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily

Nieto's

429 Temple Ave., Highland Park, 847-432-0770

Carlos and Debbie Nieto have owned restaurants for more than 30 years. This namesake is an inviting grill and bar featuring craft beers, diverse wines, and casual meals of sandwiches, burgers and soups. $$

Dinner Wed.-Mon.

The Noodle

708 Twelfth St., Wilmette

847-251-2228

Delight in choosing your own cut of freshly made pasta and then pairing it with one of 10 sauces including chicken Romano sauce or shrimp, scallop and mushroom sauce. Add meatballs or veggies or a second sauce to make the meal unique. The Noodle also offers entrees including grilled sausage and peppers. $$

Lunch Mon.-Fri.; dinner daily

O'Neil's

1003 Green Bay Road, Winnetka

847-446-7050

This casual and comfortable neighborhood restaurant has a diverse menu. Start with sausage crumble flatbread and then dig into crab cakes or skirt steak salad. Dinner options include osso bucco, veal picatta and roasted duck. $$

Lunch Mon.-Sat.; dinner daily; brunch Sun.

Prairie Grass Cafe

601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook

847-205-4433

Drawing upon the image of a prairie homestead, this restaurant features grass-fed beef and locally grown produce. Menu selections are complex combinations of flavors such as an appetizer made from crispy rolls of tender braised lamb with a cucumber, mint and yogurt sauce. Entree options include an ancho marinated skirt steak. $$

Lunch Mon.-Fri.; dinner daily; brunch Sat. and Sun.

Prairie Moon

All-American Dining

1502 Sherman Ave., Evanston

847-864-8328

With a tag line claiming "good lookin' scratch cookin'," this locally owned cafe specializes in American cuisine. Order up a stein of craft beer and look through the menu featuring American regional favorites including sirloin steak finished with a bourbon sauce. $$

Diners may choose from 32 wines by the glass and another 150 bottled wines at this chic dining bistro. The diverse menu presents appetizers like grilled baby octopus, braised rabbit and foie gras BLT. Main dishes include Australian rack of lamb and tender filet mignon. $$$

Dinner daily

Vibe at 1935

1935 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, 847-780-4815

The idea behind this lounge style restaurant it to create a place that feels like you're entertaining at home without having to cook or clean-up. Customers perch on comfy couches and snack on truffle fries, hummus with grilled pita, or fried calamari. Live music four times a week. $$

Dinner Tues-Sat.

American Traditional

EJ's Place

10027 Skokie Blvd., Skokie

847-933-9800

Prepared to be treated professionally at this supper club style restaurant. This woodsy lodge offers prime aged steaks along with lamb, veal and pork chops cooked to order. Chicken Vesuvio and homemade ravioli are the many Italian specialties on the menu. $$$

Originally established in 1878, the historic structure was renovated in 2010 and continues to welcome visitors through its doors. The upscale pub serves flavor combinations like pot roast nachos, a smoked Reuben and char-crusted rib eye. The bar offers a selection of more than 80 craft beers and 75 whiskies. $$

Dinner Mon.-Sun.; lunch and dinner Fri. Sat. Sun.

The Happ Inn Bar & Grill

305 Happ Road, Northfield

847-784-9200

This restaurant has a friendly neighborhood feel. A wood-burning oven turns out flat bread pizza covered with fresh mozzarella, pepperoni or goat cheese and spinach. Half-pound burgers topped with interesting combinations are popular as is the General Happ's fried chicken. $

Lunch and dinner daily

J.P.'s Pizza and Grill

509 4th St., Wilmette, 847-853-9999

The pizzas have personalities at this casual restaurant. Make friends with the Athena pizza covered in ham, pepperoncini, kalamata olives, feta cheese, spinach and red onions. Appetizers, salads, burgers and pasta are also on the menu. $

Lunch Tues.-Sat.; dinner daily

JT's Bar and Grill

1639 Orrington Ave, Evanston

847-328-6200

Reminiscent of the all-American diner and bar, this restaurant offers American fare with a splash of Mexican. Late risers will appreciate that breakfast is served all day and includes made-to-order omelets. Soups, burgers and sandwiches are on the menu along with tacos and burritos. $

Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily

Ken's Diner and Grill

3353 W. Dempster St., Skokie

847-679-2850

Owner Ken Hechtman acted on an idea of opening a '50s theme Kosher diner in 1976. Today Ken's is known for its menu items like the Burger Buddy, a half-pound burger slathered in a special barbecue sauce. Deli sandwiches, soups and fountain drinks complete the menu. $

Lunch and dinner Sun.-Thurs.

Market House on the Square

655 Forest Ave., Lake Forest

847-234-8800

This restaurant housed in a national historic landmark building is dedicated to making everything in-house. This means fresh from the oven flatbread, hot off the stove sauces and freshly ground sausage. This is comfort food made with style with entrees like hot wing ravioli, duck pot pie, ginger steamed salmon, and red wine braised lamb shank. Consider taking on the cupcake flight for dessert. $$

Lunch and dinner daily, brunch on Sunday

Players Grill

1855 Deerfield Road, Highland Park, 847-831-4445

Bring in the winning run with a trip to this sports themed restaurant. There are plenty of familiar items on the menu like barbecue ribs and fried chicken but there are also new players to enjoy like Chato's chicken baked with 12 spices and skirt steaks cooked with fresh garlic and onion. $$

Lunch Mon.-Fri.; dinner daily

The Ridgeview Grill

827 Ridge Road, Wilmette

847-251-2770

This family friendly restaurant is ready to serve comfort food with gourmet flair. Try French toast made with cinnamon raisin bread and topped with bananas and walnuts for breakfast. Lunch options entrees like calf's liver sauteed and flamed with red wine. Dinner items include seafood, pasta, steaks, and chops. $

Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily

Royce

1850 Second St., Highland Park

847-433-8600

The 1930's inspired diner has a club feeling and a menu featuring local farm foods. There are several entrees like lump crab cakes and slow cooked lamb shank, but the items receiving the most attention are gourmet burgers with clever names like the godfather, a grass-fed beef burger layered with mozzarella, giardiniera, pancetta, and parmesan mayonnaise. $$

Lunch and dinner daily

The Silo

625 Rockland Road, Lake Bluff

847-234-6660

Enjoy a meal at this restaurant known for its prominent silo, a symbol of Midwestern farms. The rustic setting is perfect for enjoying pan or thin crust pizza, hearty chili, pasta , steak, shrimp, chicken or baby back ribs. For a unique dinner, dig into one of the gourmet potatoes stuffed with generous fillings. $

Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat.; dinner Sun.

Trax Tavern & Grill

833-A Deerfield Road, Deerfield

847-236-0203

This family-friendly grill serves up a mix of Italian and American dishes. Try the ribs, brisket, pork or chicken that has been smoked over a mix of hickory and apple chips for more than 12 hours. A tasting platter is available. $

Lunch and dinner daily

Wilmette Chop House

1162 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette

847-278-2462

Step inside this swanky restaurant with a white baby grand piano and modern paintings on the walls. Try the signature double cut bone-in pork chop that is glazed with brandy and topped with sweet plantains. Housed in the building that once was a Girl Scout cookie bakery, the restaurant offers a Thin Mintini to honor girls and their dreams. $$

Dinner Tues.-Sat.

Yard House

1880 Tower Drive, Glenview

847-729-9273

Enjoy both great eats and great beats at this restaurant on a mission to offer an impressive selection of draft beer, an array of American food and classic rock from a state-of-the-art sound system. The tempting menu offers items like blackened swordfish tacos, orange peel chicken, vodka shrimp pasta, and pepper-crusted filet. $$

Lunch and dinner daily

Asian

153 Akira

1137 Greenleaf Ave., Wilmette

847-256-1133

Looking like art as well as a meal, the sushi and sashimi plates and Osaka-style Japanese entrees created by chef Akira have a slight French flair to them. Try starting with a blossom — a roll of pineapple and crab meat wrapped with tuna and salmon. Move on to one of the many entrees including steak teriyaki or tempura shrimp. $$

Lunch and dinner Mon.-Fri.; dinner Sat.

Akai Hana

3223 Lake Ave., Wilmette

847-251-0384

For more than a decade, Akia Hana has been serving sushi and authentic Japanese cuisine in Wilmette. The fish is always fresh and the specials are plentiful. Expand your palate with the many sushi options or enjoy pan-fried sea bass with teriyaki sauce or one of their many other traditional dishes. $$

Lunch and dinner daily

Bangkok Tokyo

227 Waukegan Road, Lake Bluf

847-295-7811

The sleek decor in this restaurant is the perfect backdrop for trying the exotic mix of Thai and Japanese dishes. One popular dish is pad Thai. There are many other dishes to explore from egg rolls to beef on fire. $$

Lunch and dinner daily

Hana Asian Bistro

9434 Skokie Blvd., Skokie

847-677-4262

Wooden pillars and rough stone walls with soft lighting make for an inviting atmosphere in this bistro serving both Japanese and Chinese entrees along with sushi. Start with spring rolls or try Japanese croquettes. Chef's specialties include crispy duck and satay short ribs. $$

Lunch and dinner daily

Kamehachi

1320 Shermer Road, Northbrook

847-562-0064

Credited with being the first restaurant to serve sushi in Chicago, this is a place to explore a variety of Japanese cuisine. Appetizers include chicken yakitori skewers and tempura green beans. Chicken Katsu, Asian chimichurri skirt steak and Chilean sea bass are among the entree options. The sushi list is extensive. $$

Lunch Mon.-Sat.; dinner daily

Koi Fine Asian

Cuisine & Lounge

624 Davis St., Evanston, 847-866-6969

In a setting that is sleek and modern, Koi offers diners dishes from the eight different regions of China, along with a selection of sushi. Enjoy a whole Peking duck from the Shandong region or feast on braised pork belly from the Zhejiang region. $$

Lunch Mon.-Sat.; dinner daily

Little Szechwan

1900 First St., Highland Park

847-433-7007

Satisfy a taste for authentic Chinese cuisine. The menu offers a great variety of soup, mu shu crepes and noodle and rice dishes as well as chicken, beef, pork and seafood entrees. Among the many chef's specials is Three Treasures, a blend of beef, shrimp and scallops sauteed with vegetables and seasoned with black beans. $

Lunch and dinner daily

Niku Niku Toyo

840 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest 847-234-8797

Customers can watch their meal be prepared at no-smoke barbecue tables at this airy, open restaurant. Choose skirt steak, lobster or any of the other choices on the menu and combine with vegetables and sauces for a custom meal. Be sure to also try the selection of sushi and makimono rolls. $$

Lunch Mon., Wed., Thurs., Fri. and Sat.; dinner Wed.-Mon.

RA Sushi

2601 Aviator Lane, Glenview

847-510-1100

With popular music, vibrant decor with red accents, creative cocktails and Japanese fusion cuisine, RA is unlike traditional sushi bars. Consider trying the yellow monkey roll with mango, roasted red pepper, marinated artichoke, and cream cheese rolled in rice and seaweed and topped with mango and cashews. Pair it with Shisho Naughty, a mix of vodka, liqueurs, yuzu and shiso. $$$

Lunch and dinner daily

Ron of Japan

633 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook

847-564-5900

Step into this exotic atmosphere and sit down to a meal that is also a show. Talented chefs artfully grill the meals in front of the customers in traditional teppanyaki fashion. Enjoy sukiyaki steak, calamari, sumo beef or one of the crown combinations that combines multiple menu items. $$$

Dinner daily

Seoul Garden

3420 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook

847-390-8390

Experience myriad flavors found in Korean cuisine. Complimentary kimchi and other side dishes are served with meals to help expand the dining experience. Traditional entrees include bulgogi — a marinated sliced beef and vegetable dish, and galbi — a flavorful beef or pork short ribs dish. $$

Lunch and dinner daily

Sushi Kushi Toyo

825 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest 847-234-9950

This bustling restaurant is a favorite with locals who come for sushi, sashimi, maki rolls and other Japanese specialties. The menu includes several varieties of kushi, the Japanese version of a shish kabob. There are numerous noodles, teriyakis and tempura choices. $$

Lunch Mon.-Sat.; dinner daily

Sushi Kushi Too

495 Central Ave., Highland Park

847-681-8997

This sister restaurant to Sushi Kushi Toyo also offers an extensive Japanese menu. Chose from numerous varieties of teriyakis, donduris, udon and soba noodle dishes. Choose familiar sushi or try something new like the fish filled rice balls known as onigiri. $$

Lunch Tues.-Sat.; dinner Tues.-Sun.

Tokyo & Beijing Asian

Cuisine

339 Ridge Road, Wilmette

847-251-2666

Popular Japanese, Chinese and Thai dishes join together to provide diners with many tasty choices. Enjoy exploring Japanese roll options or consider the Chinese chefís specials like the happy family mix of shrimp, scallops, crab, beef, chicken and pork. Don't forget to check out the many Thai mild curry selections. $$

Lunch and dinner Mon.-Fri; dinner daily

Wildfish

730 Waukegan Road, Deerfield

847-317-9453

Contemporary decor and upbeat music welcome diners at this sushi and grill restaurant. Select single sushi favorites or order up a combo of different flavors. Feast on seared tuna drizzled with horseradish and teriyaki sauce or indulge in a New York strip grilled with teriyaki sauce. $$

Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat.; dinner daily

Barbecue

Hecky's Barbecue

1902 Green Bay Road, Evanston

847-492-1182

Hecky's shares their family Creole barbecue sauce recipe slathered on baby back ribs, rib tips and chicken. The menu also includes fried shrimp and catfish, sandwiches and burgers. Leave room for peach cobbler or sweet potato pie. If you want to share the sauce, Hecky's ships its sauces nationwide. $

Lunch and dinner daily

Little Ricky's Rib Joint

540 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka, 847-784-1444

As the name implies, they serve fall-off-the-bone tender ribs bathed in a signature sauce. Another local favorite is Suzy salad featuring strips of blackened chicken, roasted corn and black beans piled on romaine lettuce and topped with ranch dressing. Fish tacos, sliders and daily specials keep customer coming back. $

Lunch and dinner daily

Ravinia BBQ and Grill

592 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park, 847-433-1111

The headliners at this restaurant are barbecued baby back ribs and six varieties of cooked-to-order chicken. There are also seafood entrees, create-your-own pizzas, sandwiches, pasta and hearty salads on the menu. Located close to Ravinia, it is a favorite place to pick up a to-go-dinner to enjoy at the concert. $$

Dinner Mon. and Wed-Sun.

Breakfast Plus

Annie's Pancake House

4900 Oakton St., Skokie, 847-675-7562

Head over to Annie's for one of the eggceptional skillets with a layer of potatoes covered with your choice of filling, sprinkled with Monterrey Jack cheese and crowned with two eggs cooked to order. At lunchtime, the restaurant serves an array of sandwiches, salads and burgers. $

Breakfast and lunch daily

Bluffington's Cafe

113 E. Scranton Ave., Lake Bluff

847-295-3344

This breakfast cafe and delicatessen has seating indoors and out. Start the day with egg Bluffington, an English muffin topped with egg, cheese and your choice of meat. Stop in for lunch to try one the many salads or hot, cold, grilled or club sandwiches. $

This contemporary restaurant offers diners a chance to eggs-plore dozens of breakfast options. There are several interesting oatmeal options including an oven-baked oatmeal with diced bananas and golden raisins glazed with maple syrup. Lunch includes sandwiches, wraps, burgers and creative salads like the Asiago chicken Caesar salad. $

Breakfast and lunch daily.

The Original Green Bay Café

568 Green Bay Road, Winnetka

847-446-7698

This hidden treasure offers unique twists on breakfast and lunch favorites. The bread pudding French toast is a tasty change and the tamale corn flapjacks give pancakes new life. For lunch, the Chutney Bay chicken steps up chicken salad by adding chutney, almonds and a curry kick. $

Breakfast and lunch daily

Cafes/Delis/Markets

The Bagel Restaurant and Deli

4999 Old Orchard Center, Skokie

847-677-0100

Old world recipes are served at this family owned restaurant and deli. The thick-cut challah French toast and variety of blintzes are tasty breakfast options. The lunch menu includes sandwich combinations. $

Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily

Blind Faith Café

525 Dempster St., Evanston

847-328-6875

This combination café and bakery offers interesting vegetarian options including maple glazed squash, roasted beet salad and spinach lasagna. It is hard to resist the bakery items which range from a seasonal cheesecake to cappuccino brownies. $

Breakfast, lunch and dinner Tues.-Sun.

Convito Café & Market

Plaza del Lago, 1515 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, 847-251-3654

Feel like you are stepping into the French or Italian countryside at this combination restaurant and gourmet shop. Let someone else do the cooking and enjoy a traditional French or Italian inspired meal. Start with a seasonal quiche Lorraine and then enjoy a plate of fettuccine with four cheese sauce. $$

Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat.; Sun. brunch

The Garden Café

1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe

847-835-3040

The menu at this cafe in the Chicago Botanic Gardens changes weekly. Made to order omelets, waffles and fresh fruits are frequent breakfast items. Soups, sandwiches, salads and pizzas fill the lunch menu and feature seasonal ingredients. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free items are offered. $$

Breakfast, lunch daily; dinner June 1 through Labor Day.

Little Louie's

1342 Shermer Road, Northbrook

847-498-1033

Little Louie's is a hotdog stand that grew up to be an eatery. The classic Chicago hotdog still graces the menu but is joined by burgers, gyros, wraps, salads and burritos. Several specialty items like the Peking chicken pita keep things interesting. $

Lunch and dinner daily

Max and Benny's

Restaurant and Deli

Brookside Plaza, 461 Waukegan Road, Northbrook, 847-272-9490

The menu here is a mix of Jewish and international comfort foods including fried matzo, lox platters, club sandwiches, paninis, salads and more. Don't miss the thick layers of corned beef in their famous Reuben sandwich. Breakfast is served all day. $$

Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily

Max's Deli

191 Skokie Valley Road, Highland Park, 847-831-0600

This is Chicago's New York deli according to Max. This is the place to find sweet and sour cabbage soup, potato pancakes or a hot pastrami sandwich. Come here for both the traditional Reuben or the Rachel which features pastrami instead of corned beef. $

This cafe is keeping it real with a mix of vegetarian and American food with international flavors tossed in. Breakfast is simple with eggs, pancakes, granola and oatmeal. Burgers, sandwiches and some fun entrees like the carrot salad burrito with hummus and feta take over at lunch time. At night the restaurant changes to Real Joe's and the menu items switch to batter fried cod tacos ang Lebanese falafel plate. $

Breakfast and lunch daily; dinner Tues.-Sat.

Rhapsody Café

833-C Deerfield Road, Deerfield

847-267-1700

This small, friendly cafe is in tune with the tastes of the neighborhood. Breakfast specialties include l'chevrin skillet — a mix of artichoke hearts, asparagus and grilled tomatoes sprinkled with goat cheese. For dinner, try the Black 'n Bleu London Broil. $$

Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily

Wilde and Greene

Westfield Old Orchard, I-94 and Old Orchard Road, Skokie, 847-679-2019

This 17,000 square foot dining space with 18 food and beverage stations provides an eating adventure. Design a personal pizza, pick up an order of the pasta of the day or try that sushi that was just rolled. There is also a natural market filled with organic, vegan and gluten-free items to take home. A roof top garden offers tapas and light meals when the weather is warm. $

Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily

Cajun, Creole, Southern

Bluegrass

1636 Old Deerfield Road, Highland Park, 847-831-0595

This restaurant has a mix of American food with a southern flavor. Feast on jambalaya or slice up a rack of dry rubbed, hickory smoked baby back ribs. The double crab cake dinner is served with corn and crawfish risotto for a true southern experience. Save room for the classic bananas Foster. $$

Lunch Tues.-Fri.; dinner Tues.-Sun.

Dixie Kitchen & Bait Shop

825 Church St., Evanston

847-733-9030

Y'all come in and check out this '30s style bait shop-themed establishment.Try not to fill up on the delicious corn muffins so there is room for gumbo, crawfish étouffée and Dixie ribs. End the meal with a slab of pecan pie or a scoop of bread pudding. $

This authentic bistro offers the traditional French comfort food. The staff strives to support local farmers as they prepare the Coq Au Vin or bouillabaisse. A selection of reasonably priced French wines can be paired with dinners. On Sundays, a menu of French breakfast classics is available.

Dinner daily; brunch Sun.

Café Central

455 Central Ave., Highland Park, 847-266-7878

This charming storefront cafe allows diners to enjoy the feeling of a French country bistro. The lunch menu includes quiche of the day and a tender poached chicken salad. The dinner lineup includes Burgundy escargots, braised lamb shank and half a roast duckling.$$

This romantic French cafe offers 300 French and American wines combined with a menu that updates old world dishes with modern light techniques. Fois Gras, gazpacho, pasta primavera, and rabbit casserole are just some of the interesting dishes on the menu. $$$

Lunch Mon.-Fri; dinner Mon.-Sat.

Jilly's Café

2614 Green Bay Road, Evanston, 847-869-7636

The menu is mainly French American fusion but other international influences can also be detected. Try the skinless breast of duck with plum ginger sauce or tender rack of lamb.There is also a Sunday brunch menu served with plenty of champagne. $$

Lunch Tues.-Fri.; dinner Tues.-Sun.; brunch Sun.

Miramar Bistro

301 Waukegan Ave., Highwood

847-433-1078

Step inside this French style bistro and dine on classics such as Dover sole almondine and roasted duck with orange sauce. Lighter dishes at lunch time include croque monsieur or onion soup gratinée. $$

This French inspired restaurant was founded by chef/proprietor Michael Lachowicz. The imaginative entrees include pan roasted sea scallops, heirloom tomato bisque, whole roasted New York squab, and caramelized banana bread pudding. $$$

Dinner Tues.-Sun.

Shallots Bistro

7016 Carpenter Road, Skokie

847-677-3463

This Kosher fine dining restaurant features both French and Japanese cuisine. Try one of their signature options including blackened steak or beef Wellington. Other menu options include tuna Nicoise, braised BBQ short ribs and a full range of sushi creations. $$$

Lunch Mon.-Thurs.; dinner Mon.-Thurs. and Sun; open one hour after dark on Sat.

Enjoy the interesting flavors of Indian and Nepalese cuisines including goat simmered in spices and herbs. The menu includes several lamb dishes like lamb curry cooked with onion and tomatoes in a cardamom flavored sauce. Try the many flavors of Naan, the traditional unleavened bread or other fried and baked Tandoori style breads. $

Lunch and dinner daily

Demetri's

660 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield

847-940-0777

Sample the fresh flavors of Greek cuisine. Try the braised lamb and beef mixed with macaroni known as pastitsio or dig into the layers of eggplant, ground beef and lamb topped with a béchamel sauce of traditional moussaka. Try a family style meal option to get a sampling. $$

Lunch and dinner Mon. - Fri.; dinner Sat. and Sun.

Mizrahi Grill

215 Skokie Valley Road, Highland Park, 847-831-1400

This is the home of the real shawarma sandwich made from marinated turkey and lamb roast on a skewer, carved to order and piled in a pita pocket or a lasha wrap. Other Mediterranean specialties at this Glatt Kosher restaurant include a variety of meat kebabs, falafels, pita sandwiches and salads. $$

Lunch and dinner Sun.-Thurs.; lunch Fri.

Mt. Everest Restaurant

630 Church St., Evanston

847-491-1069

This elegant restaurant offers Indian and Nepalese dishes. Among the Indian dishes are lamb curry, shrimp masala and tandoori prawns. The Nepalese menu includes authentic items like boiled lentils sautéed with spices. $

Lunch and dinner daily

Periyali Greek Taverna

9860 N. Milwaukee Ave., Glenview

847-296-2232

This taverna both feels and tastes like you are in Greece. Many Greek favorites can be found from flaming saganaki cheese to Athenian chicken. Choose a combination platter to get a sampling of the cuisine. $$

Lunch and dinner daily

Phoenicia

1910 First St., Highland Park

847-266-9990

For a taste of the Mediterranean, visit this bustling restaurant where coveted family recipes fill the menu. Try one of their many couscous specials which feature marinated brochettes of chicken, lamb or vegetables served with couscous. A signature dish is the broiled whole red snapper. $$

McKenna's has the feel of an Irish village pub. The food is a mix of comfort food and traditional Irish fare including shepherd's pie, fish and chips and Guinness beef stew. Sandwiches on the menu include a grilled chicken breast marinated in an Irish whiskey glaze. $$

Lunch and dinner Tues.-Sun.

The Celtic Knot Public House

626 Church St., Evanston

847-864-1679

This venue offers an interesting collection of modern and contemporary dishes. Menus change weekly. The Celtic collection is a sampler of lamb stew, fish and chips and corned beef and cabbage. A proper afternoon tea with pastries, scones and finger sandwiches is served on Wednesdays and Saturdays. $$

Lunch and dinner daily; brunch Sun.

The Curragh Irish Pub

8266 N. Lincoln Ave., Skokie

847-675-9600

The Irish feeling of fellowship known as 'craic" is evident at this pub. Irish fare abounds including shepherd's pie, bangers and mash and Guinness fish and chips. Other menu items include baby back ribs and artichoke-crusted tilapia cooked in burgundy red wine sauce. $

Lunch and dinner daily

Grandpa's Place

1868 Prairie St., Glenview

847-724-1390

With a long wooden bar dating back to 1891, comfy seating and a fireplace, this place has an old fashioned, homey feel. The food has an Irish accent with fish and chips and a Reuben in the lineup but there are plenty of other options including chicken kabobs and a variety of hamburgers. $

Lunch and dinner daily

Tommy Nevin's Pub

1450-1458 Sherman Ave., Evanston, 847-869-0450

Find a great selection from a hamburger bathed in Bushmill's Irish whiskey sauce to pot roast boxty. Some American favorites on the menu include macaroni and cheese and chicken pot pie. $$

Lunch and dinner daily

Italian

Alex's WashingtonGardens

256 Green Bay Road, Highwood

847-432-0309

Original family recipes still appear on the menu along with some new dishes. The tradition of thin-crust pizzas continues but are joined by dishes like chicken Calabrese-boneless breast baked in lemon, white wine and olive oil seasoned with fragrant herbs. $$

Dinner daily

Bertucci's Steak and Seafood

246 Green Bay Road, Highwood

847-432-6663

Mama Lena's traditional recipes are featured at this Italian-American steakhouse. Try the tortellacci, a light dough filled with a mix of spinach and cheeses and topped with a choice of sauce. Other menu items feature veal, chicken, seafood and pasta. $$

Lunch Mon.-Sat.; dinner daily; brunch Sun.

Biaggi's

The Shops at Deerfield Square

711 Deerfield Road, Deerfield

847-607-2300

This casual Italian restaurant in Deerfield is part of a chain. Start the meal with fried ravioli or classic bruschetta. Dig into a bowl of Tuscan minestrone soup or a crisp roasted beet salad. Main course options include a large selection of pastas as well as classics like osso buco or chicken picatta. $$

Lunch and dinner Mon. - Sat; dinner Sun.

Café Lucci

609 N. Milwaukee Ave., Glenview

847-729-2268

A Glenview favorite for more than 15 years, this intimate café and full-service bar offers diners regional Italian cuisine influenced by French, Mediterranean and American flavors. Try the boneless breast of chicken sautéed in sweet Marsala wine. Be sure to try one of more than 800 bottles of wine. $$

Lunch Mon.-Fri.; dinner daily

Campagnola

815 Chicago Ave., Evanston

847-475-6100

Offering Italian country cooking with a focus on organic and locally grown ingredients, this restaurant has earned a reputation for offering authentic cuisine. Mustard-crusted rack of lamb, veal scallopini and brick-grilled chicken are some of the highlights. $$

Dinner Tues.-Sun.

Dave's italian kitchen

1635 Chicago Ave., Evansto,

847-864-6000

For more than 40 years, Dave's has been the place for traditional homemade Italian food at affordable prices. Many menu items including the bread, soups sauces and pasta are made on site. In addition to traditional pastas with sauce, the menu offers innovative dishes like mussels marinara with pasta. $

Dinner daily

Ferentino's East

842 N. Western Ave., Lake Forest,

847-295-8888

Ferentino's West

825 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest,

847-615-1000

Using time-honored recipes, this family-owned restaurant offers thin crust and pan pizzas, pastas and classic sandwiches. Mix and match your choice of sauces and meat on pasta to create a custom meal. The menu also includes low carb and gluten free entree options. $

Waukegan lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat.;

Western Ave. lunch and dinner daily

Francesca's Intimo

293 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest

847-735-9235

One of the Francesca family of restaurants, menu items include roasted pork chops with pancetta, eggplant with zucchini and rigatoni with sausage, garlic and basil in a tomato cream sauce. $$

Lunch Mon.-Fri.; dinner daily

Francesca's North

1145 Church St., Northbrook

847-559-0260

Francesca restaurants are popular among diners with menu selections including pan roasted mahi mahi with grilled artichokes, canellini beans, olives, escarole and lemon as well as a daily ravioli special. $$

Lunch and dinner daily

Francesco's Hole in the Wall

254 Skokie Boulevard, Northbrook

847-272-0155

Diners see selections on the ever-changing wallboard menu based on daily fresh ingredients. A typical menu might include a trio of ravioli or catch of the day with seasonal vegetables. $$

Lunch Mon., Wed-Fri.; dinner Mon., Wed.-Sun.

Gusto Italiano Ristorante

1470 Waukegan Road, Glenview

847-729-5444

This comfortable Italian restaurant serves up a variety of Mediterranean flavors. There are the usual pasta dishes and some specialty items like the gnocchi sorrentina — a dumpling served with your choice of sauce and cheese. $$

Lunch Mon. - Fri.; dinner daily

Marco Roma

14 Green Bay Road, Winnetka

847-501-3333

Food prepared the way Nonna would like it is the promise of this family owned restaurant offering both pizza and pasta. Pasta choices include rigatoni alla vodka and eggplant Parmigiano. Choose from a variety of toppings to go on a choice of a thin crust, Chicago-style deep dish or raised focaccia bread crust. $

Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat.; dinner Sun.

Merlo's Italian Restaurant

581 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park, 847-266-0500

All pizza dough is made in-house and then cooked in a brick oven at this Italian eatery. Also on the menu are hearty Chicago Italian favorites including Nonna's Gravy-a pot roast slow-roasted in tomatoes and red wine and tossed with rigatoni. A fresh fish special is offered daily. $

Lunch and dinner daily

Pancetta Regional Kitchen + Bar

933 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook

847-498-6500

Housed inside the Chicago Renaissance North Shore Hotel, this restaurant features talian inspired flavors, which includes salmon baked on a cherrywood plank and Gigli Pasta, a mix of grilled flaked salmon, pasta and melted leeks in a light gorgonzola cream sauce. $$

Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily

Pensiero Ristorante

1566 Oak Ave., Evanston, 847-475-7779

Located inside the historic Margarita European Inn, try one of their seasonally inspired soups and then enjoy pan seared duck breast with basil orange glaze or an olive oil confit pork belly with sautéed broccolini. House made sorbets and ice creams make a wonderful end to the meal. Enjoy dining outdoors in the garden terrace during warm weather. $$

Pizano's Pizza and Pasta

1808 Waukegan Road, Glenview

847-486-1777

The family recipe for the flakey, buttery thin crust that caramelizes on the edges makes for a memorable thin crust pizza. Deep dish pizza varieties and hearty meals like an oven roasted chicken breast stuffed with Italian cheeses and sun-dried tomatoes topped with creamy Marsala sauce keep customers coming back for more. $$

Lunch and dinner daily

Rosebud

560 N. Waukegan Road, Deerfield

847-914-0900

This newest addition to the Rosebud family of restaurants specializes in home-style Italian dishes like baked ziti and cheese ravioli or dig into veal medallions and mushrooms cooked in sweet Marsala wine. A variety of pizzas are also on the menu. $$

Lunch and dinner daily.

Trattoria D.O.C.

706 Main St., Evanston, 847-475-1111

Pizzas are baked in a wood-fired oven and topped with your choice of toppings. Take a taste of the thin veal medallions sautéed with proscuitto and sage in a white wine sauce or enjoys a hearty beef tenderloin in a brandy peppercorn cream sauce. $$

Lunch and dinner daily

Trattoria Oliverii

1358 Shermer Road, Northbrook

847-559-8785

The pizza and dinners served at this family-owned trattoria were inspired by the cuisine found in central Italy. Try a slice of Guido's special pizza with tomatoes, onions, garlic and hot gardinera or savor a plate of veal medallions in a lemon caper sauce. Finish off your meal with the Italian cannoli or tiramisu. $$

Lunch and dinner daily; breakfast Sat. Sun.

Village Inn Pizzeria

8050 Lincoln Ave., Skokie

847-675-3737

3538 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview

47-827-8900

Village Inn is known for their thick and thin-crust pizzas but have 165 other items on the menu including meatball subs. $

Skokie lunch and dinner daily; Glenview, lunch Fri, dinner daily,

Jamaican

De-Jred Fine Jamaican Cuisine

4901 Oakton St., Skokie, 847-983-4582

This authentic Jamaican restaurant focuses on spices of the island. Try a plate of oxtail and butter beans or sample traditional jerk chicken marinated for several days and slow cooked for hours to tender perfection. Side dishes include red beans and rice and fried plantains. $

Lunch and dinner Tues.-Sun.

Mexican/Latin

Authentico Mexican Restaurant and Bar

770 N. Western Ave., Lake Forest

847-295-3500

A mixture of new and old is reflected in the menu that features traditional Mexican cuisine updated with modern flavors. Familiar tacos are elevated with fillings like grilled marinated mahi-mahi with lime cilantro crema. One of the carne platters offered features roasted filet mignon topped with melted cotija and Monterey Jack cheeses over a spicy chili morita salsa with cremini mushrooms. $$

Dinner daily

Depot Nuevo

1139 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette

847-251-3111

For fresh fare with a Latin flair start with guacamole and chips or refreshing seviche and then head to the main entrees like a Cuban steak or traditional paella with shrimp, scallops, fish, mussels, chicken and chorizo. Check out the selection of tequilas by trying a tequila flight. $$

Dinner daily

El Jardin Norte

1831 Tower Drive, Glenview,

847-729-9888

This restaurant in the Glen Tower Center continues a family tradition of serving authentic Mexican cuisine. Fajitas, tacos, enchiladas and burritos can be found along with signature dishes like Camarones a La Diabla – shrimp prepared in a three chili hot sauce $$

Lunch and dinner daily

Guanajuato Contemporary Mexican & Tequila Bar

73 Green Bay Road, Glencoe

847-242-0501

Explore the many flavors of Mexico at this Glencoe restaurant. From the Mexican countryside is El Molcajete, a slow simmered mix of steak, grilled cactus, onions, black beans and salsa. Blackened Tilapia Fajitas with tequila marinated vegetables is from Tequila Jalisco. The menu also contains the familiar tacos, quesadillas, flautas and other Mexican dishes. $$

Lunch Mon. - Sat; dinner daily

La Casa de Issac

431 Temple Ave., Highland Park

847-433-5550

Try authentic Mexican fare like burrito campestre with a filling of black beans, cheese, portabella mushrooms, asparagus, zucchini, yellow squash and avocado. Another highlight is chiles rellenos which is a roasted chile poblano filled with cheese or ground beef, dipped in egg batter and sautéed until crispy. $$

Issac and Moishe Nava opened this second restaurant around the corner from their first to give diners more seating room. Try Tampiquena, a broiled skirt steak, served with an enchilada, cebollitas and avocado or order chicken served with the red mole sauce. $$

All tortillas are made in-house at this authentic Mexican cafe. A featured entree is the molcajete, a choice of chicken, steak or shrimp that is mixed with three chile salsa, asadero cheese, cactus leaf, cebollitas, and charro beans then cooked in a bowl carved from volcanic rock. $$

Lunch Mon.-Fri.; dinner daily

That Little Mexican Café

1010 Church St., Evanston

847-905-1550

This is the place for fresh, authentic Mexican dishes with a creative flair. Start with jalapenos stuffed with queso and cream cheese. Then choose between a duck breast with mole sauce abd a grilled skirt steak with chimichurri. $$

Lunch and dinner daily

Yolo Mexican Eatery

5111 Brown St., Skokie, 847-674-0987

Family pride shines at this casual dining spot. Traditional Mexican dishes undergo a creative flair including pork tenderloin in a pumpkin seed sauce or chicken breast served in a complex 32 ingredient mole sauce. Top off the meal with flan or mango cheesecake. $$

Dinner Tues.-Sat.

Zapatista

992 Willow Road, Northbrook

847-559-0939

This restaurant celebrates the dishes of the many regions in Mexico. The dishes are based in tradition but are updated to include modern flavors. Take a fresh look at a taco made with adobo marinated pork tenderloin and pineapple-onion relish. $$

Lunch and dinner daily

Seafood

Davis Street Fishmarket

501 Davis St., Evanston, 847-869-3474

Fish shipments arrive daily. Dive into the menu featuring items like Maryland crab cakes, smoked rainbow trout, cedar planked salmon and soft shell crab. A fish special is available daily. Ribs, chicken, steak and vegetarian entrees are also on the menu.$$

Lunch and dinner Tues.-Sun.; dinner Mon.

Di Pescara

2124 Northbrook Court, Northbrook, 847-498-4321

This restaurant features a mix of fresh seafood, beef and veal as well as Italian specialties. Try tilapia Milanese with a sesame almond crust or cedar planked Lake Superior whitefish. Enjoy signature cocktails. $$

Lunch and dinner daily

Maestro Seafood Grill

500 Anthony Trail, Northbrook, 847-272-8111

At this upscale restaurant consider the wood-roasted salmon filet or the coconut-crusted dragon tiger shrimp. Mix things up with the seafood paella Valencia - a mix of seafood, chicken and vegetables served over saffron rice. $$

Lunch and dinner Mon.-Fri.; dinner Sat.

MH Fish House

670 Bank Lane, Lake Forest

847-234-8802

This predominately seafood restaurant is able to offer many fresh options. Dover Sole with roasted potatoes and chanterelle mushrooms in brown butter is one of the offerings. The menu also includes bacon cured sturgeon and Idaho ruby red trout. A selection of small plates is available. $$

Dinner Tues.-Sat.

Oceanique

505 Main St., Evanston, 847-864-3435

This eclectic seafood house features catches from around the world prepared in a French-American style. Entrees on the menu include wild Delaware black sea bass, organic Danish Faroe Islands salmon and wild Maine lobster. Pair the meal with a bottle of wine from the 900 bottle wine list. $$$